Pembina Pipeline Corporation and Breakfast Club of Canada today announced a $5 million partnership to support breakfast programs across Canada over the next five years.
“A child’s potential is limitless when they have food to fuel their brains,” says Daniel Germain, founder of Breakfast Club of Canada. “We must believe in them now, so they can build their future and this donation by Pembina will help pave the way for the next generation. We are honoured and grateful to have their trust in providing a healthy breakfast to children across the country.”
Pembina and the club believe that all kids should be given the opportunity to reach their full potential, and that a good day starts with a good breakfast. However, an astounding one in five Canadian children might not get that chance. In 2016, both organizations teamed up to help change this statistic with the launch of Pembina’s signature giving and volunteering program, Fuel 4 Thought, which provides funding for breakfast programs in schools near Pembina’s operations.
“It goes beyond making sure that kids get enough to eat, which is absolutely essential,” says Jaret Sprott, Pembina’s senior vice president and COO, facilities. “Through our partnership with Breakfast Club of Canada, we’re also able to help move the needle on a major social issue that impacts everything from education to wellness, and I’m very proud that Pembina continues to step up to the plate and deliver on our commitment to communities.”
Sprott is also the executive sponsor of Fuel 4 Thought and a volunteer with the program.
To build on this success and make sure even more kids can start their day with a full stomach, Pembina’s increased its investment to help Fuel 4 Thought grow bigger and better than ever. And when a breakfast program is implemented, school administration observes tremendous change in the culture of their school.
“Students now come and start the day by being able to have breakfast at the school,” says Kari Prichard, executive director of the Grande Prairie Catholic School District Education Foundation. “They can continue throughout their day without having to fight through hunger. This has improved their moods, which allows for an improvement in their social behaviours, focus and academic success. This is a success that should be largely attributed to the program and its supporters.”
Since beginning the partnership in 2016, Pembina’s contribution to Breakfast Club of Canada has reached a grand total of $6.5 million. To learn more about Fuel 4 Thought and see the program in action, visit Pembina.com/communityinvestment/.
